For the first time, more than half of new place names in Victoria have honoured women, as the state continues its efforts to recognise the contributions of remarkable women across communities.
The second round of nominations for the Remember a Local – Name a Place campaign has opened ahead of International Women’s Day, inviting Victorians to nominate outstanding women to be commemorated in the names of new places and roads.
Last year, this initiative led to a milestone—57 per cent of newly commemorative place names honoured women, a significant increase from 35 per cent in 2023 and just 26 per cent in 2022. Traditionally, place names in Victoria have overwhelmingly recognised men, with a survey of more than 5,000 locations revealing 1,400 named after men, compared to just 200 named after women.
Over the next three years, Victoria will name more than 6,000 new places, including streets, suburbs, schools, parks, and community facilities. This campaign ensures public spaces better reflect the state’s diversity and history.
Nominations are now open, encouraging Victorians to recognise women who have made a lasting impact in fields such as healthcare, science, the arts, and public service. Recent examples include Devine Street in Charlemont, named after Kathleen Mary Josephine Devine, a Geelong-born First World War nurse, and Sika Way in Footscray, honouring Sika Kerry OAM, Footscray’s first female councillor and an advocate for migrant women.
The campaign also welcomes nominations of individuals from underrepresented groups, including First Nations people, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and culturally diverse communities.
Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny sais, “There are thousands of women who have shaped Victoria, yet their names remain absent from our streets, parks, and landmarks. This is about recognising their contributions and ensuring our public spaces tell the full story of our history.”
Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins added, “Place names matter—they shape how we see our history and who we choose to honour. By putting more women’s names on the map, we ensure their legacies are celebrated for generations to come.”
To nominate, visit engage.vic.gov.au/name-a-place.
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🌟Victoria’s Name a Place campaign honours #women, with 57% of new place names commemorating their contributions. 🏛️Nominations open to recognise impactful women & underrepresented groups. 💬Celebrate their legacies today! 🌸#TheIndianSun @SonyaKilkennyhttps://t.co/kqXwP4q6Zm
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